Very similar to my last post, this post involves a burden associated with the current happenings of the world and our resulting obligation. I wish to share this for a couple of reasons... One, to remind us that we can and should make a difference as the righteous, praying people of the world; and two, to show the power of the prophetic word to warn us, prepare us, and enable us to take action while there is still time. The following content is a prophetic word posted yesterday by an acquaintance of mine, Glynda Lomax, whom I have been following for many years. This post includes a word she received back in 2015 that appears to now have come to pass. You can access the word on her blog site, Wings of Prophecy, but I would like to go ahead and include a snapshot below: When I read this yesterday, it quickened my spirit and I immediately began praying and I immediately added this to my prayer list. What an honor it is to know that we can pray against these awful things that are taking place in our nation and all over the world, and know that our Father will hear and answer! And what a shame it is when we don't. Some of us may not have had it in our spirits to pray for this as of yet, and maybe some of us feel that it won't make a difference. Regardless of what we feel, I believe that we simply must pray against any and all evil that we see trying to take over the people and the land, and we certainly must pray for the peace and safety over the areas which the Father has assigned for us to live. This can be overwhelming, especially right now when there is so much evil manifesting itself in plain sight. But as the last part of the word above simply and directly states... we are His mighty army and must act like it! I remember a while back when I was talking to the Father about my discontent with living in my current area (where is the very place He lead me), He showed me something profound in my daily reading that has stuck with me since then and become a part of my regular prayers (although I will admit that I do not pray it every day). I have felt the very difference that it makes for me living here, and I have even felt when I need to pray it more! And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Jeremiah 29:7 Although I have not been carried away captive so to speak, I was carried away here for a purpose that was not my own. In my praying for the peace and salvation of the people in my city and surrounding cities, I am also comforted and receive the same. Obviously, this is the case regardless of why we live where we live. We know that He determined the specific time when and the exact place where we would live long before we even knew it, for His purposes! And I believe we have a responsibility to pray for the people and the land in these areas! And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Acts 17:26-27 I just wanted to take a moment to share this profound prophetic word with all of you that you too make add this to your list, if you are not already actively seeking the Father about it. We all know that we are facing a time now that we have never seen before, and it seems that every day brings a new challenge and a new form of evil that we were not expecting. We also know that it is a time of judgment - just judgment that has so graciously been withheld for sometime now -- and with that, we may wonder if our prayers can make a difference. I have wondered this myself. The bottom line is that our prayers to stop the evil or release blessings on behalf of others will always return fruitful in some way. Our prayers can impact those we don't even know as well as those who are closest to us. Let us be encouraged by the powerful words of the book of Job when he prayed for his friends right when the Father was determined to judge them! This is a wonderful example of how our prayers can impact others, and ourselves as well. And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job. And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:7-10 I pray we will all be moved with the passion and confidence to stand and make a difference in these very dark days. The light of our prayers will not only work to expose the darkness but also pave the way for the manifestation of all of the benefits of the light (protection, restoration, peace, etc.). The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 Amen and so be it! Blessed be the name of the only true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through His Son, Yahusha ha Machiach (Jesus Christ)!
1 Comment
I woke up this morning with a heaviness in my heart over what appears to be the lack of unity and strength amongst the body of believers in the midst of so much evil. While some believers argue and judge one another about the names of God, the law versus grace, one group’s authority over another, and the list goes on… satanic influence is taking its stand with boldness and a perceived empowerment. With tomorrow’s “summer solstice”, the satanists plan to march in solidarity for their cause, reportedly all over the world and in many major cities across the US. As I prayed about this, I began to ask myself, where are the marches and efforts of unity amongst the Body of Christ? Are believers coming together to do battle against the evil powers and to pray for all these lost souls?! Doesn’t the true power over evil manifest in holy, corporate intercession? If all true believers came together to stand and pray in humility, in absolute surrender and in all truth, couldn’t we make a difference? Wouldn’t the Light of Christ shine, exposing the darkness, clearly showing the only way that will lead to the life, justice, and peace that we all seek? We know that there will always be evil in the earth until the righteous kingdom of Christ is established. We also know that the tribulation is real and will be a time of great distress unlike anything man has ever known before – and maybe we are entering this time? Regardless, it still seems very quiet on the believer front as we watch chaos and hatred begin to envelope the hearts of so many. Am I the only one feeling this?? Knowing I am only human and subject to my own (sometimes wrong) emotions, I was feeling that we are losing this battle in this world, because we are not standing! Obviously and wonderfully, we know we do not lose the ultimate battle, but it seems that darkness is beginning to cover the land. If this is now the judgment spoken of by the prophets and all throughout the word of God, then it will be regardless. And this will be when we simply stand… in the fullness of faith. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 I was so moved about this issue this morning that I sent out a text to several of my contacts to rise and pray, thinking maybe many don’t know about these satanic agendas and the bold steps they are taking to honor their god and fight against our God. I thought of our Savior sitting at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, asking… “Where is My honor; will I find faith on the earth when I return?” This was the inspiration behind my message to encourage us to stand and fight and come together in the power and authority of Yahusha (Jesus) – like never before! Afterwards, some of my brothers and sisters responded to the text with support and agreement, as well as comments that brought peace, confirmation, and even further insight. I would like to share a few of these comments for your edification as well: “There are lots of people coming together [for righteousness]; it just might not be close to you or with the amount you would like.” With regard to some of the other movements that are out there… “Yes, God will do the ultimate judgment, but we have a part to play. ‘What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.’ Micah 6:8” “I am not sure about the rallies, but I know for sure when we fast and pray collectively, our Power responds. The peace I receive from Him makes the things of this world non-sense to me. I am not ignorant to it, however, our fight is much bigger than a rally or a march. Searching myself inwardly to make sure I have succeeded and endure this.” “As He said, ‘It is finished’. He has already conquered the enemy. We can rest in Him. We are to continually pray so that nothing can come near us. Sa-ten is bound and no weapon formed against us will prosper. Greater is He that is in us than he than is in the world. Sa-ten has 1/3 of the angels, and Yahuah has 2/3. Their agenda is null and void. It is as simple as that. Render them powerless.” “The Father sent forth His word and it won’t return void”. "Funny thing is I've been thinking about the same thing today. Where are His people and what are we supposed to do? Do we fight, do we stand? What does it look like? What came to me is all the times Israel was told to stand but not do anything because the Most High was gonna have the victory. And that the darker it gets,t he brighter the light within us shines. At dusk, a candle burning isn't as bright as when the darkness has fully come. He is gonna have the victory, and it won't be a move of a human... it will be Him. He will lay out entire enemy armies for his people who are standing and beholding Him. We come to the battle armed and ready, but he is gonna confuse the enemy. He is gonna confound the enemy. He is gonna be our victor!" I am so thankful for these responses, because in all honesty, I was more heavy in my spirit after I sent out the message than before! I could literally feel it and cried to the Father to release it. This was a real battle, but now I can see the hope within the Body from the responses I received. This brought the peace needed and the confirmation that the Body IS indeed speaking and standing! Whether we are a thousand miles away from each other, unable to outwardly show our unity for the cause of Christ and His righteousness, we stand in full assurance of faith in spirit and truth with praying and fasting, which will be as the sweet smelling incense of the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8). We know that these righteous acts of the servants of God play their part in the return of our King to destroy the works of the enemy and bring in His kingdom overflowing with the love, justice, and peace that we all seek. And again as one of my sisters shared above, the Father has sent forth His Word and it will not return void! Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 And before I close, I just want to share one last thing that is also of importance in this day. We know that the media is feeding a very divisive agenda right now – one that is responsible for not only division, but even the extremes of murder, hate, and chaos. Aside from this, and buried beneath these evil influences, there is a move towards justice that we need not forget. We may not understand this move (and there are some of us who can never understand the oppression and trials that others have endured), but we must stand for the cause of Christ for all people – according to His ways and His word, and we must allow love to reign. Only He can restore and revive and renew; He has to be the focus. May we all pray to know the heart of the Father for those who are hurting, hungry, in poverty, and who are oppressed throughout the world – both physically and spiritually – that we may intercede for His provision, peace, restoration, and love to be poured into them in abundance. And may we act in the love, patience, and long-suffering of Christ in understanding one another and helping one another as we walk through this very difficult time. It is in this – in HIM - that we can overcome the darkness of division and hatred, until He comes! And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8 Today I have shared my heart, and I am thankful that I have a place to do this with like-minded believers who will read and consider. I pray that the Father will use this to inspire and encourage you in His ways and His word. In all things, may He be glorified and exalted through His precious Son and our Savior, Yahusha ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ)! P.S. Here are a few things that have recently inspired me in this trying time: -- The armor of Christ – it has been given to us to use! Let us be vigilant with this gift! -- Psalm 31 & Psalm 91 (we are protected in the secret place of His presence) -- A song and picture of unity of the true Body of Christ proclaiming the only truth – that HE REIGNS! As I was doing my regular reading and just spending time in the presence of the Father this morning, I stumbled upon a jewel that stirred my soul and spirit so much that I knew it must be shared. I was in Psalm 45 again for the third time in the last month, of course without any plan of my own to be there (thank you gracious Father!). The following verses had previously captivated me and touched my heart during this time, and once again today, I found my focus in this same place. Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. Psalm 45:10-11 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. Psalm 45:13-14 As I was pondering on these verses, I thought to look at a few commentaries. The very first one I selected turned out to be a vast feast table full of the choicest spiritual food and drink I could ever want. As I read, I was moved to tears, singing, praising, and praying over and over and over again. It was the perfect dose of restoration and regeneration I needed! This writing I found is not really a commentary but more of a beautiful Spirit-lead elaboration by an author and teacher I so respect... Charles Spurgeon; and this writing set my heart on fire.
I would like to share this writing with anyone who has a yearning heart to grow and go further and deeper with the Redeemer of our souls. As you read, set aside any biases you may have of authors or teachers, religions, doctrines, etc., and open your heart to the mysteries that are birthed directly from the Word of God, which is the epitome and manifest image of the Creator Himself through His Son. Set aside some quiet, undistracted time to receive this truth into your heart and be lifted up to a place of peace and joy and love. This message in Psalm 45 is so obviously interwoven within my current path and the path of many others close to me, as well as brothers and sisters all over the world. The Father is preparing a Bride for His Son -- now is a time of preparation that seems to be laced with a sense of urgency. I think this preparation is for many things, but the main focus is to be His Beloved-- totally committed and surrendered without spot or wrinkle, pure and waiting with anticipation. I cannot describe the unworthiness I feel to be able to learn of these heavenly things, and my gratitude seems so insufficient at times, although it is never-ending. It truly is now that we know our Maker and Redeemer in absolute depth and intimacy. It is now that we must have the hidden understanding required to worship Him in the purest form of Spirit and Truth. And with that, we say to Him... King of Glory, come in!! Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 24:9-10 These three little words - RISE ABOVE IT - have sure been the talk of the month, at least in my world! I had no intention to do three parts about this, but here it is -- and this refreshingly reminds me that I am not in control! Praise the name of our Father God Yahuah, and may He be glorified! When you look around at everything that is going on in the world, isn't there just so much that we can rise above right at this moment? We see murder, hate, division, deceit, sickness, and the list goes on. If we don't rise above it, then that simply means we fall under it. And I don't need to tell anyone that this is not an option for a child of God! It's always easy just to tell yourself or even someone else to rise above their circumstances. The fact is that sometimes actually rising above can be dreadfully hard. Sometimes our circumstances are such that we become steeped in fear or despair or oppression or worry. But as I said before, if we don't rise above these things, then what is the alternative? Again, not an option!
I listed out this particular definition, because it shows the different levels of this word "above" (fireworks above the town are much higher above than our arms above our heads). So when we RISE ABOVE, we raise up from a low position to a high one, and this higher position is over or extends above whatever we are facing. Basically, we rise above it and overlook it or look down at it; but we don't just have to stand above it, we can also rise above it so much that we can actually soar above it! It reminds me of this scripture: ... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 As we abide in this lower position, we can become emotionally, physically, and spiritually low. In this position, we are at the enemy's level where he can taunt us with all his lies, and our tendency is to receive it. Have you ever noticed that in this position we can actually experience a "paralysis" of sorts where we find it hard to seek the Father for strength? There are times when I have been in this position unable to pray or praise and instead I just layed and cried, all while the enemy continued to pour it on. It's a fact that he will always always kick us when we're down. He's always working to bring us all the way down to his level where he can wrap himself around us to choke us and devour us, just like the slithering snake that he is. He [satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44 ... because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour... 1 Peter 5:8 So when we find ourselves in this place where all seems low, it is clear as ice that this is NOT of the Father. Granted, sad or unfortunate things will happen and we will feel badly at times. This will always be part of life and the Father uses these things to teach us and strengthen us. And even better, He always provides us the way to escape it - in Him! This is exactly one of the reasons why Yahusha came in the flesh like us... to experience all our temptations, emotions, and problems so that He could know the way of escape and teach us and make it available to us. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Obviously, our real problem comes when we allow ourselves to stay in this low position. When we do this, we must ask this question... Who have we placed our faith in? It is painfully obvious that we when stay in this low position feeling defeated and unable to even seek the way out, we are choosing to believe the enemy's lies over the truth of our Father. At this point, we have literally chosen to side with the devil and his lies and accusations and turn away from the truths and promises of our loving Creator and Savior. This is a profound realization and one that should open our eyes! This simply should not be the case! What does the Father tell us He will do for us in these low times? For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37 So if our Father -- the one who we call OUR Father-- has told us these things, why do we not immediately rise up in faith during times like this believing what He has said? Obviously, the demonic forces at work at keeping us low are powerful; however, the Word of God, purified 7 times, is much more powerful!! And when coupled with our willful faith to stand up and proclaim it, His word will send those little snake-like cowardly demons running the other direction every time! They must, for they are under and subject to the authority of Yahusha. Who [Jesus] is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Peter 3:22 Rising up will always take some effort on our part. We start in our minds, knowing that we have the mind of Christ, and we will ourselves to get up. Then we get up and we act in His strength to stand up! Once we're standing in faith on His unchanging promises, then we RISE ABOVE IT. We then have authority over it, through Christ and His word, and immediately the restoration comes that we so desperately need! It happens this way every time, because He is faithful to be all these things to us! For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6 Since I wrote the first post on RISE ABOVE IT, I have been faced with opportunity after opportunity to live out these words, and I know that this was likely 100% with intent by my Father. It's almost as if He is going to make sure that I live out the words that I so willingly and zealously post for the world to see. In all honesty, sometimes crucifying my flesh to apply the things I write consistently is very difficult. Sometimes I have the victory and sometimes I don't and have to practice again until I get it. I know this is true for all of us, and sometimes it can feel like we are on a hamster wheel doing it over and over again. And it's in these times of frustration with ourselves that we can't forget the condition of our hearts, because this is what is driving us. If our hearts desperately yearn to rise above and endure just as our Savior did, then we know that He will equip us, since He is the one who placed this yearning in us! We have full and immediate access to His strength, His mind, and His love to gain the victory! RISING ABOVE is the works or proof of our faith in our Father's words, and therefore we intentionally and powerfully speak it out of our mouths to be the outcome of our lives. Before I close, I want to share yet something else that I just read today before I sat down to finish this post. I am reading an incredible book by Wade Taylor called, Being Made Ready, which was divinely given to me at a time when the Father has clearly targeted my focus on preparation (which obviously is the foundation of this book). I believe this is the case for many of us at this time as He is continuing to prepare sons and daughters to be His beloved Bride and warriors in these last days. Within this preparation mode has been what seems to be opportunistic challenges where I am being tested and taught to strengthen one of the weakest areas of my life -- the ability to RISE UP in faith and overcome when I am low. So today, as I found myself once again having to fight some of the same feelings of discouragement due to circumstances I cannot currently change (and even spiritual defeat), I read the following (my additions added in [ ] ): For many of us,when things do not go as we feel they should [or we have an encounter or experience that brings us down], we complain telling the Lord that He should change our circumstances because we are doing the best we can. Instead, we are to meet the Lord in the place where we find ourselves to be, and RISE ABOVE IT with a heart attitude of worship towards Him. All too often, we whine rather than worship the Lord in our place of pressure. When we rise up as Wade has written here, we become an overcomer!! Isn't that the whole goal of our spiritual walk -- to overcome and endure?? Yes it is, and when we finally reach this goal, look what is waiting for us!! To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with My Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21 Rising up, way up, above our circumstances, challenges, hindrances, etc., is our calling as we follow in the footsteps of the One who saved us. If He had not fully demonstrated this same victory, our hope of salvation would not exist. It really isn't a choice for us either if we truly want the victory and to receive the prize of our upward calling. Our response in these situations directly impacts the level in which we will rise spiritually (just above our heads or soaring in the heavens!) as well as our ability to fully be the ambassadors we've been called to be in our specific measure and purpose. Wade Taylor once again says it so perfectly (my addition in [ ] ): The way we react to our problems has much to do with the "approbation of God" (divine favor) resting upon us, and with our being lifted into a new realm of spiritual life and responsibility. We are continually being forced to make decisions concerning [how we will respond to our problems and challenges]. The way we respond, or react to these, will greatly affect our spiritual growth and development. In closing, when life gets us to the point of a low position (and we will know instantly when we're there), we must make the decision to RISE ABOVE IT in faith, believing our Father and all His promises to us. Each time we do this and practice, we will get better and better and stronger and stronger. This is a part of our walk that will not change, so we may as well get 'er done! I offer my prayers to our faithful Father that you, reader, will RISE UP, overcome, and endure as you come into the fullness of your calling in Christ! So be it! To see the other two RISE ABOVE IT posts, click below:
Rise Above It - Part 1 Rise Above It - Part 2 Each part is meant to have its own overall message, but there may be a bit of redundancy (I find that with this particular subject, I have to hear things more than once to get it!) :) So much has happened in the world since my last post, which was less than a week ago. Things are moving very quickly, and they truly seem to be spinning out of control. This morning as I was praying and thinking about all the rioting and chaos as well as all of the lies and deceit that is constantly flowing in the spirit realm, and even in the midst of the church, I could see this… a moving cesspool. And in the midst of this cesspool, there were little human heads above the water, alive but yet caught in the midst of this. The water was dirty and nasty, and it was swirling round and round as it continuously went down into the drain pit. The heads above the water were those with the Spirit of Life (the Spirit of the only true God) within them, who are allowing Him to lead them, protect them, and provide for them in the midst of the dirty waters surrounding them. They were not struggling in the water; they were steady and strong in the midst. Nonetheless, they were caught up in this swirling water that was intensifying in speed, as it was being fully pulled down into the drain pit. For some reason, when I read the following scripture, it hinted at the “burden” of this image in my mind and of the time in which we are living: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 0r ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 I believe this little vision of the cesspool, for lack of a better term, is indicative of exactly where we are now… nearing the time when evil will be fully drained from the world. But as we know, before that can happen, things will intensify -- they will speed up and they will become more violent with most of the sludge and grime being exposed for all to see. What are we -- those with our heads above the churning waters because of the Breath of Life within us – supposed to do in this time? What do we do as we actually see the evil and feel the burden in our hearts, so much so that we can only long for escape? There are a few words that I believe generally describe what we are to do, and that is, once again… RISE ABOVE IT! This can be much easier said than actually done, but with the mind of Christ, the strength of Christ, and the love of Christ (His love for us and our love for Him), we can learn to do this 100% of the time – even in the midst of great tribulation! Do you believe this? I believe it and want it! I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:14 We’ve seen and heard this scripture abundantly, but let us not become complacent with its meaning and power! There is only one way to rise above all that is not of truth and righteousness, and it is IN Christ, BY Christ, and FOR Christ – it is by being ONE with Him and operating and functioning in Him in ALL things. This includes our thoughts, our words, our decisions, our responses (to good and bad and also to correction), our endurance, and the list goes on. It is guarding ourselves from anyone or anything that will even slightly hinder our oneness with Him. It is through full surrender where we have relinquished full control to Him over every single thing in our lives. I will never say this is easy, and for most of us, it is a process; but it is a process He will finish in us. He will finish what He has started in us, because His word proclaims this. But also, the investment – the down payment – sowed into us was so very great and costly that we can know with all assurance that He will not allow it to return void. He will do all the work – our only part is to surrender all, obey His commands and leadings, and fully trust Him throughout the entire process. As I type this, I see my own life of struggle in this area. It is not easy, not one bit, but oh does my spirit yearn and crave this full submission. And because He has placed this overwhelming desire within me, and within you, it WILL COME TO PASS! I encourage you this day – believe this! Wait, anticipate, and watch Him do a quick work in you through your faith! What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 So in moving forward, take a look at this next scripture and then ponder what must be the foundational truth surrounding it… Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8 This scripture has always burdened my heart, because it seems that these words reflect a burden in His heart. Because He has said this, we know this will be the state of things upon His return. Will there truly be faith on the earth? As I have watched all that has been happening in the earth, even before the “corona crud” as I call it and now the riots, I began to feel the shame of the Laodecean church in which we live. The fact that evil has been allowed to prevail so strongly in these days has much to do with the lukewarm-ness and carelessness of the body of Christ. Look at what Christ said to this church (and shudder!): I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked… Revelation 3:15-17 This church is caught up in their own problems, which are usually somewhat minor in the grand scheme of things but a result of “waxing fat” and not really being able to see the fullness of real suffering. This church is lazy in prayer, not wanting to be inconvenienced with fasting, praying in the middle of the day and night, or any form of true spiritual warfare. This church is silent and not speaking up when both words are being spoken and actions are being taken that are the very things that slashed, mutilated, and ultimately killed the Savior of the world. The church is still worldly, not willing to give up the danties and conveniences and pleasures of life in order to follow the true call of Christ on their lives. Does any of this sound familiar? These very weaknesses within the body have given evil the upper hand it needed to rule; and as a result, here we are swirling around in a cesspool of wickedness and utter rebellion! So in considering this, the question must again be asked.. will there be in true faith in the earth?? Everything I have just typed in the paragraph above includes me! I have been guilty of these things, and I believe this is why He has allowed me to see it! It is time to say, NO MORE!!! Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is now that we must RISE ABOVE IT! It is now that we look to our beautifully strong Savior as the example and heed His actions in the midst of great adversity! Just look at this incredible example as He was facing the greatest horror of His life: And being in an agony he [Yahuhsa/Jesus] prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 Yahusha was in agony – agony that caused His sweat to turn to blood! And in the midst of this agony, He ROSE UP and prayed more earnestly! He chose to submit to the will of the Father and then to pray as earnestly as He ever had. And the angels came and ministered to Him as a result. He was then strengthened to move forward as the Father willed for Him to sacrifice Himself to save the entire world. Immediately after this, Yahusha then found His disciples “sleeping for sorrow”, and consider what He told them to do: And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke 22:45-46 The disciples were sorrowful and downcast and had allowed their spirits to grow weary. Are we feeling any of this today?? What happens when we do this? We usually want to surrender to the sorrow and feelings of defeat, stop fighting, and just go to sleep. This will always make us vulnerable to the enemy. So what did Yahusha say… RISE AND PRAY! This was the only solution to the great sorrow and burden they were carrying and to keep them from the temptation that could result from their vulnerability. They first had to RISE UP – stand up, get up and do battle. Then they had to PRAY. This weapon of prayer, when done in full faith, can and will literally strengthen us and move the righteous forces in the heavenlies to not only minister to us but also to do battle for us and for those for whom we are praying. Why then is it not our number one priority – or why is it something that we can put off, sometimes even without conviction? If we are the children of the Most High God, now here in a time when we are seeing new, dreadful things in our world that we have never seen, we truly have no choice but to RISE UP. We must rise and stand and pray and speak up! We must allow the Father to equip us through full surrender to be His representatives in these last days. Not only do our own souls depend upon it, but the souls of the lost as well – which are many many! We are to be a salty light in this earth, here to be ambassadors of Christ, to bring the LIFE and JOY of His truth and gospel to a world that is dying before our eyes. We are His workmanship – we are not our own. We are here to do His work – not our own. It truly is time to give our minds, souls, and bodies over to Him as a sacrifice for His kingdom. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 We cannot fulfill our calling during this time without RISING UP and RISING ABOVE all the evil forces and things we see happening. The choice is ours, but regardless of what we decide, we must consider that it will be required that we give an account to Him when we stand before Him. And as I am sure you all desire as I do, we will want to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant”. May this post encourage you and strengthen you and motivate you as we, the scattered remnant caught in the swirling cesspool of the last days, RISE UP, take our places, and glorify the name of the one true God in all the earth!! Rise up and shine, for your light has come. The shining-greatness of the Lord has risen upon you. For see, darkness will cover the earth. Much darkness will cover the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, and His shining-greatness will be seen upon you. Nations will come to your light. And kings will see the shining-greatness of the Lord on you. Isaiah 60:1
|
Special NoteThese writings are written in love and a spirit of servitude. They are not designed to judge but make us think. We are all sinners in need of saving, and we all need encouragement and absolute truth to endure on the narrow road to sanctification and ultimately eternal life. Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
|